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Company donates part of sales to support the Paynter family
WAYNE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Giovanni’s in Lavalette is helping a family who needs support from their community.
The pizzeria is donating a generous 20% of profits from Friday sales to the Paynter family. Their eldest daughter, Raelyn, 17, was died in a car accident on Tuesday. Her younger sister Reece, 15, is still in hospital fighting for her life.
Family identifies teen killed in Wayne County crash, sister fighting for life
Fundraising began from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in an effort to help the family with the sudden financial burden of funeral expenses and medical bills.
“We were all raised here. My whole family was raised here and we have always been honored to help the community, which is so important,” said Aubrey Watson, daughter of Lavalette owner Giovanni. “I mean, everyone can need help sometimes, especially in the case of this family with no insurance and no financial help. They could really use the help. And they created their GoFundMe and everything we can help. This is what we do. We were always created to help and give to people.”
The family’s cousin, Clayburne Stevens, also shared an update on the family’s middle daughter on Friday, saying that Reece is still in critical condition in the ICU but is showing signs of improvement. He told 13 News that doctors are surprised that she is doing so well. However, he also says that Reece is not out of the woods yet.
The girls are the daughters of pastor Jason Paynter and Michelle Paynter of Huntington. Jason Paynter is pastor of Good Shepherd Holiness Church in Huntington.
Stevens also says he received a request for an address to send condolences and financial contributions directly to the family. He says if we want to pass it on, contributions and condolences can be sent to the church at:
Pastor Jason Paynter
1163 Jackson Ave.
Huntington, WV 25704
Along with this fundraiser, a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family. The GoFundMe has raised more than $31,500 as of Friday evening.